OPUWO – The highly-anticipated Ruacana Easter tournament returns this weekend for its 12th edition.
It will feature six categories competing over four days from Friday at the Oshifo sports field.
In an interview with Nampa on Tuesday, tournament organiser Simaneka Nendongo stated that the event is an initiative by the Ruacana Town Council to boost tourism, support local businesses and enhance community engagement.
“The primary objectives of the tournament are to attract visitors from different regions, encourage longer stays and increase spending to benefit the hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors by generating business opportunities while fostering unity, promoting sportsmanship and providing a platform for local talent,” he said.
Nendongo said the council also wants to position Ruacana as a prime location for sports tourism and leisure activities beyond its natural attractions.
“By leveraging this tournament as a key annual event, Ruacana can strengthen its tourism sector and establish itself as a destination beyond a one-day visit, ensuring sustainable economic and social benefits for the community,” he said.
A total of N$158 000 will be up for grabs, with the youth football category receiving the largest portion of N$50 000. Both the legends and women’s football categories will each get N$21 000, while the netball category will receive N$26 000. Volleyball and basketball will share N$30 000 equally, and the remaining N$10 000 will be allocated to the plate or consolation cup for the youth category.
Regarding registration fees, Nendongo announced that youth football teams will reserve their spots for N$1 300, while female teams and legends will each pay N$800. The netball category will pay N$1 100, while basketball and volleyball teams pay N$700 to register.
In last year’s tournament, Oshifo City Boys emerged victorious in the youth category, and Eenhana secured the legends’ title. Kunene NamPol took home the plate cup, while Windhoek’s Golden Girls dominated the netball category. The 21 Brigade team claimed the volleyball championship, and the Black Hawks from Ongwediva won the basketball trophy.
– Nampa